17 WSM......

Axxe55 · Apr 9, 2020

Purely out of curiosity, and for discussion.

Are there any real world advantages of the 17 WSM over the 17 HMR?

Does anyone own and shoot one?

What are your likes, or dislikes of the round, or the rifles?

If you own one, would you buy it again, or knowing what you do now, buy something different?

Sort of just gathering information. I had thoughts on selling or trading my Savage 93r17 for a bolt action in 17 WSM, but mind of talked myself out of that.

My initial thoughts are, if I were starting from square one right now, I might more seriously consider the 17 WSM, and I'm not sure if I want to replace the one I have, and I don't really need two 17 caliber rimfires.

TheMailMan · Apr 9, 2020

The 17 WSM is a lot flatter shooting than the 17 HMR. It also has more energy.

The 20 gr WSM moves at 3000 fps with 400 ft/lbs at the muzzle.
The 20 gr HMR moves at 2375 fps with 250 ft/lbs at the muzzle.

The WSM has more energy at 125 yards than the HMR at the muzzle.

Also the I've always been able to find WSM ammo during the shortages.

Maverick44 · Apr 9, 2020

I have no experience with any 17 cal round, so keep that in mind.

If I was just starting out, I would go with the WSM over the HMR due to the ballistic superiority of the WSM.

Now, since you already have the HMR, I think you need to ask yourself if the extra velocity of the WSM is going to be utilized in a way that warrants selling a perfectly good gun that you like.

Now, if you are after that extra velocity, I have one more question for you. Why not just skip the rimfires and buy a 17 Hornet? 20gr at 3500 FPS is better than 20gr at 3000 FPS after all.

Younggun · Apr 9, 2020

The most noticeable difference is that the .17 HMR is typically more accurate at 125 to 150 yard, then the WSM starts catching up because it handles wind a little better and will be more accurate at 200+ yards.

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jrbfishn · Apr 9, 2020

I have both. I much prefer shooting the HMR. They are both good though. For either one, get a heavy sport or heavy barrel. You will be glad you did.

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Mowingmaniac 24/7 · Apr 9, 2020

Both good, but I've read they're (the great they) are phasing out the WMR.

True?

I don't know..........

Axxe55 · Apr 10, 2020

Maverick44 said:
I have no experience with any 17 cal round, so keep that in mind.

If I was just starting out, I would go with the WSM over the HMR due to the ballistic superiority of the WSM.

Now, since you already have the HMR, I think you need to ask yourself if the extra velocity of the WSM is going to be utilized in a way that warrants selling a perfectly good gun that you like.

Now, if you are after that extra velocity, I have one more question for you. Why not just skip the rimfires and buy a 17 Hornet? 20gr at 3500 FPS is better than 20gr at 3000 FPS after all.

Pretty much what I was thinking.

More than likely, if I were to add another 17 caliber, it would be a centerfire, not another rimfire.

Axxe55 · Apr 10, 2020

TheMailMan said:
The 17 WSM is a lot flatter shooting than the 17 HMR. It also has more energy.

The 20 gr WSM moves at 3000 fps with 400 ft/lbs at the muzzle.
The 20 gr HMR moves at 2375 fps with 250 ft/lbs at the muzzle.

The WSM has more energy at 125 yards than the HMR at the muzzle.

Also the I've always been able to find WSM ammo during the shortages.

Since I don't hunt anymore, energy isn't a concern. Just for informal target shooting on paper.

From a hunter's viewpoint, the increase in velocity and energy would be very beneficial at increased distances.

Maverick44 · Apr 10, 2020

Axxe55 said:
Pretty much what I was thinking.

More than likely, if I were to add another 17 caliber, it would be a centerfire, not another rimfire.

After doing a little looking, the .17 Remington would be a interesting choice. It's basically a .223 necked down to .17. 20gr bullets at 4400 FPS would be fun to play around with. I'm interested in getting a 204 Ruger for the same reason. Tiny little bullets at stupidly high velocities with minimal recoil. They'd be hell on a coyote.

Barrel life might be an issue though.

17 WSM......

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